Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling

What is Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling?

Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling focuses on assisting persons with both physical and mental disabilities across their lifespan from birth to geriatrics in a holistic manner addressing vocational, psychological, social, and medical aspects of individual functioning. Clinical Rehabilitation Counselors are trained at the master's level and while several undergraduate rehabilitation services programs also exist, entering the discipline requires graduate level education and earning a master's degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling.

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The Master's of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling may be earned with a minimum of 60 semester hours of successful graduate work in specified courses.  Our coursework includes training in service provision to individuals with disabilities (e.g., psychosocial aspects of disability, occupational aspects of disability, and medical information for rehabilitation counselors), as well as training in clinical counseling skills (e.g., counseling theories, counseling skills and techniques, group counseling).  Upon completing the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling degree, students will be eligible for national certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and for state licensure (in Ohio) as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Our Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and has an approved curriculum by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board.

Careers in rehabilitation counseling have a “bright outlook” and are expected to grow 10% nationally and 16% within the state of Ohio over the next decade (via O*NET). A compensation survey by the American Counseling Association (ACA) indicated Rehabilitation Counselors were among the highest paid in the counseling profession with an average salary of $53,561.  Graduates of the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program at Kent State over the past 10 years have attained paid employment in a rehabilitation counseling or related field or went on to a Ph.D. program at a rate of 98.6%.  Students who complete the CLRC degree program and obtain their CRC certification and LPC licensure will be able to seek employment in:

• Nonprofit rehabilitation programs
• Federal, state, and local rehabilitation programs
• University and high school settings
• Independent living centers
• Medical rehabilitation centers
• Healthcare facilities and hospitals
• Substance abuse treatment programs
• Mental health agencies
• Corrections facilities
• Veterans administration
• Private Industry

Psychology Pathways Podcast: Listen to program faculty member, Dr. Mykal Leslie, discuss careers in the field and how Rehabilitation Counselors are among the highest paid in the counseling profession:

Deadlines for Domestic Students:

Student Testimonials

“The Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program has taught me a lot more about the psychosocial impact of disability and ways to help make our community more inclusive. I was lucky enough to serve as a Student Ambassador at the annual conference for the Ohio Rehabilitation Association. I had the chance to network with seasoned professionals and learn more about the opportunities available upon graduation. With two practicums and an internship, you receive plenty of hands-on experiences. The professors sharing their wealth of knowledge and suggestions for application have polished my skills, leaving me to feel more confident in my career.”

-Elizabeth Apazeller, Current Student

“The Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Master’s degree program at Kent State University is a fantastic program that has changed my life. As a proud veteran of our countries armed forces and prior law enforcement I have served the people in many different capacities. This program has given me an opportunity to continue that life of service through educational coursework, practicum experiences, and an internship proving help and encouragement to people with disabilities. I have gained knowledgeable experience working with wounded veterans and people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. This program and it’s leaders help me to believe that one person can truly make a difference in the life of another.”

-Rachel Pike-Lee, Current Student

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

View Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure